Germany, Heer. A Rare Service Tunic for a Decorated General der Infanterie

(Heer Dienstrock für einen General der Infanterie). A rare and exceptionally well-preserved General der Infanterie service tunic, constructed of field-grey wool with a pronounced whipcord weave. It features a turned-down collar, reinforced on the reverse with an array of machine-stitched darts, which is lined on the exterior with a layer of smooth dark green wool. The collar is flanked on each side by a tab constructed of red wool with a buckram core, topped by gold bullion wire Larisch embroidery. Each tab measures 42 mm (w) x 95 mm (l). The shoulders are topped by boards constructed of red wool with rigid card stock cores, adorned silver a length of braided silver aluminum wire piping interwoven with gold bullion wire piping, and pinned with two silvered rank pips. Each measuring 45 mm (w) x 110 mm (l), the boards are secured in place with machine stitching through the shoulder seam at the outer edge, and with gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the inner edge. The cuffs are rolled up to a depth of 14.5 cm and are fixed in place with two pieces of stitching. Four pleated pockets are set into the breast flaps, all closing with scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons. All pocket buttons are maker marked on the reverse “BRÜDER PAUL” for the Tyssa bei Bodenbach-based firm. Stitched onto the upper right breast just above the corresponding pocket is an insignia consisting of a dark green wool base bearing a hand-embroidered gold bullion wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 105 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Three sets of dual vertically-arranged threaded loops are set into and around the upper left pocket for the accommodation of badges with vertical pinbacks, while horizontal loops above the same pocket accommodate a ribbon bar. Notably, an additional pair of vertical loops set into the upper right pocket formerly displayed a German Cross or other prestigious award. The tunic closes with six gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap, with all of the former double-marked on the reverse with the logos of Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece slate-grey rayon liner which transitions into a pinstripe through the arms. A slate-grey rayon strap descends from the left armpit and culminates in a functional magnetic metal spring clip, maker marked with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. A reinforced slash set into the lower half of the flap allows a dagger hanger to be attached to the clip, protruding through the pocket for the accommodation of an edged weapon. The upper left breast also features a single pocket, opening with a reinforced horizontal slash. Fully unmarked, the tunic measures approximately 44 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 70 cm, and an overall body length of 70 cm when folded on a flattened surface. Demonstrating not notable damage or wear, this fine-quality tunic issued to a decorated General der Infanterie remains in an extremely fine condition.